Public comment period on SVCA’s Accreditation application now open

The Sheepscot Valley Conservation Association, based in Newcastle, has announced that it is applying for accreditation by the Land Trust Accreditation Commission. The Commission’s accreditation program recognizes land conservation organizations that meet quality standards in their efforts to permanently protect important natural places and working lands. A public comment period on SVCA's application now is open.

The Land Trust Accreditation Commission is an independent program of the national land trust association, the Land Trust Alliance. The Commission conducts an extensive review of each applicant’s policies, programs, and practices. SVCA’s principal purpose in applying for accreditation is to confirm that it is adhering to national quality standards, and to ensure thereby its long-term ability to service and monitor the properties and easements that have been entrusted to it.

The Commission invites public input and accepts signed, written comments on pending applications. Comments must relate to how SVCA complies with national quality standards for ethical and technical operation of a land trust. For the full list of standards see http://www.landtrustaccreditation.org/tips-and-tools/indicator-practices.

To learn more about the accreditation program and to submit a comment, visit www.landtrustaccreditation.org. Comments may also be faxed or mailed to the Land Trust Accreditation Commission, Attn: Public Comments: (fax) 518-587-3183; (mail) 112 Spring Street, Suite 204, Saratoga Springs, NY 12866. Comments on the SVCA application will be most useful if received by January 1, 2012.